Absorbent core

ABSTRACT

An absorbent core structure for disposable absorbent articles, having improved fluid handling properties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an absorbent core structure forabsorbent articles, for example sanitary napkins and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles for absorption of body fluids such as menses or bloodor vaginal discharges are well known in the art, and comprise forexample feminine hygiene articles such as sanitary napkins, pantyliners, tampons, interlabial devices, as well as wound dressings, andthe like. When considering for example sanitary napkins, these articlestypically comprise a liquid-pervious topsheet as wearer-facing layer, abacksheet as garment-facing layer and an absorbent structure, alsoreferred to as core, between topsheet and backsheet. The body fluids areacquired through the topsheet and subsequently stored in the absorbentcore structure. The backsheet typically prevents the absorbed fluidsfrom wetting the wearer's garment.

An absorbent core structure can typically comprise one or more fibrousabsorbent materials, which in turn can comprise natural fibres, such asfor example cellulose fibres, typically wood pulp fibres, syntheticfibres, or combinations thereof.

Absorbent articles can further comprise, typically in the absorbentcore, superabsorbent materials, such as absorbent gelling materials(AGM), usually in finely dispersed form, e.g. typically in particulateform, in order to improve their absorption and retentioncharacteristics. Superabsorbent materials for use in absorbent articlestypically comprise water-insoluble, water-swellable, hydrogel-formingcrosslinked absorbent polymers which are capable of absorbing largequantities of liquids and of retaining such absorbed liquids undermoderate pressure. Absorbent gelling materials can be incorporated inabsorbent articles, typically in the core structure, in different ways;for example, absorbent gelling materials in particulate form can bedispersed among the fibres of fibrous layers comprised in the core, orrather localized in a more concentrated arrangement between fibrouslayers.

Absorbent cores for absorbent articles having a thin structure canfurther provide an improved immobilization of absorbent gellingmaterials, particularly when the article is fully or partially loadedwith liquid, and an increased wearing comfort. Such thinner structuresprovide absorbent articles combining better comfort, discreetness andadaptability, such as for example, thin absorbent structures where theabsorbent gelling material is located and somehow kept in selected, e.g.patterned regions of the structure itself.

EP 1447067, assigned to the Procter & Gamble Company, describes anabsorbent article, typically a disposable absorbent article, such as adiaper, having an absorbent core which imparts increased wearing comfortto the article and makes it thin and dry. The absorbent core comprises asubstrate layer, the substrate layer comprising a first surface and asecond surface, the absorbent core further comprising a discontinuouslayer of absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising anabsorbent polymer material, the absorbent material optionally comprisingan absorbent fibrous material which does not represent more than 20weight percent of the total weight of the absorbent polymer material.The discontinuous layer of absorbent material comprises a first surfaceand a second surface, the absorbent core further comprising a layer ofthermoplastic material, the layer of thermoplastic material comprising afirst surface and a second surface and wherein the second surface of thediscontinuous layer of absorbent material is in at least partial contactwith the first surface of the substrate layer and wherein portions ofthe second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in directcontact with the first surface of the substrate layer and portions ofthe second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in directcontact with the first surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbentmaterial.

Absorbent articles according to EP 1447067 and comprising thin absorbentcores with relatively high amounts of absorbent gelling materials andrather low content of fibrous materials commonly have good absorptionand retention characteristics to body fluids. However there stillremains room for improvement for fluid handling, and particularly inorder to better control rewet, e.g. due to gushing, and fluidacquisition effectiveness, in a core structure which is thin andcomfortable, yet highly absorbent.

Low rewet, i.e. the capability of an absorbent structure of effectivelyand stably entrapping fluid within the structure itself, even after e.g.sudden gushes, with low tendency to give it back upon compression, forexample upon squeezing of the absorbent structure which may occur duringwear, is typically a characteristic which is in contrast with fast fluidacquisition, particularly in a thin absorbent structure. In other words,in order to have a thin absorbent structure which is also highlyabsorbent it is typically necessary to compromise between these twoapparently contrasting features. In fact a thin absorbent structure, inorder to rapidly acquire fluid, can typically have a rather “open”structure, which may in turn not provide for an optimal low rewet.

Thus, an absorbent core structure is desired exhibiting thinness forcomfort combined with high absorbent capacity, while at the same timeproviding low rewet and fast fluid acquisition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above need by providing an absorbentcore structure for an absorbent article, which comprises a first layer,comprising a first surface and a second surface; the absorbent corefurther comprises a layer of absorbent polymer material, comprising afirst surface and a second surface; the absorbent core also comprises alayer of adhesive, comprising a first surface and a second surface. Thelayer of absorbent polymer material is comprised between the layer ofadhesive material and the first layer. The second surface of the layerof absorbent polymer material is facing the first surface of the firstlayer, and the first surface of the layer of absorbent polymer materialis facing the second surface of the layer of adhesive. The absorbentcore structure of the present invention further comprises a second layerhaving respective first and second surface, positioned such that thesecond surface of the second layer is facing the first surface of thelayer of adhesive.

The first layer of the absorbent core structure has a thickness of 0.4mm to 1.5 mm, and the second layer of the absorbent core structure has apermeability of at least 200 Darcy, and a porosity of at least 0.85.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin showing an absorbent coreaccording to an embodiment of the present invention, with portions ofsome constituent elements cut out in order to show underlying elements.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross section of the sanitary napkin of FIG. 1taken in the transverse axis A-A′.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross section of an absorbent core according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary absorbent core accordingto the present invention.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show equipment assemblies used in the In Plane RadialPermeability (IPRP) test described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an absorbent core for absorbentarticles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, tampons, interlabialdevices, wound dressings, diapers, adult incontinence articles, and thelike, which are intended for the absorption of body fluids, such asmenses or blood or vaginal discharges or urine. Exemplary absorbentarticles in the context of the present invention are disposableabsorbent articles. The term “disposable” is used herein to describearticles, which are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restoredor reused as an article (i.e. they are intended to be discarded after asingle use and possibly to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposedof in an environmentally compatible manner). The terms “absorbent core”and “absorbent core structure” as used herein, are interchangeable, andrefer to the core of the absorbent article. The absorbent articlecomprising an absorbent core according to the present invention can befor example a sanitary napkin or a panty liner. The absorbent core ofthe present invention will be herein described in the context of atypical absorbent article, such as, for example, a sanitary napkin 20 asillustrated in FIG. 1. Typically, such articles as shown in FIG. 1 cancomprise the elements of a liquid pervious topsheet 30, a backsheet 40and an absorbent core 28 intermediate said topsheet 30 and saidbacksheet 40.

In the following description of the invention, the surface of thearticle, or of each element thereof, which in use faces in the directionof the wearer is called wearer-facing surface. Conversely, the surfacefacing in use in the direction of the garment is called garment-facingsurface. The absorbent article of the present invention, as well as anyelement thereof, such as, for example the absorbent core, has thereforea wearer-facing surface and a garment-facing surface.

Topsheet

According to the present invention, the absorbent article can comprise aliquid pervious topsheet. The topsheet suitable for use herein cancomprise wovens, non-wovens, and/or three-dimensional webs of a liquidimpermeable polymeric film comprising liquid permeable apertures. InFIG. 1 the topsheet is indicated with reference numeral 30. The topsheetfor use herein can be a single layer or may have a multiplicity oflayers. For example, the wearer-facing and contacting surface can beprovided by a film material having apertures which are provided tofacilitate liquid transport from the wearer facing surface towards theabsorbent structure. Such liquid permeable, apertured films are wellknown in the art. They provide a resilient three-dimensional fibre-likestructure. Such films have been disclosed in detail for example in U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,929,135, 4,151,240, 4,3198,68, 4,324,426, 4,343,314,4,591,523, 4,609,518, 4,629,643, 4,695,422 or WO 96/00548.

Absorbent Core

According to the present invention, and as shown for example in theembodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, the absorbent core 28 can comprise a firstlayer, or substrate layer, 100, a layer of absorbent polymer material110, a layer of adhesive 120, and a second layer, or cover layer, 130.According to the present invention, in the following description theterms “first layer” and “second layer” can be used interchangeably with“substrate layer” and “cover layer” respectively, and are meant torespectively refer to layers 100 and 130 in FIG. 3. The terms“substrate” and “cover”, referred to the first layer 100 and to thesecond layer 130, reflect one possible orientation of the absorbent corestructure 28 when for example incorporated into an absorbent article,such as for example the sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIG. 1, wherein thefirst layer 100 can actually constitute a substrate layer in that it isa bottom layer, i.e. for example closer to the backsheet 40, and thesecond layer 130 can actually constitute a cover layer in that it is atop layer, i.e. closer to the topsheet 30. Typically the adhesive can bea hot melt adhesive. According to the present invention, the layer ofadhesive 120 can be typically for example a layer of fiberized hot meltadhesive 120. The substrate layer 100 can for example comprise a fibrousmaterial. Suitable materials for the cover layer can be for examplenonwoven materials.

The substrate layer 100, the layer of absorbent polymer material 110,the layer of adhesive 120, and the cover layer 130 each comprise a firstsurface and a second surface. Conventionally, in all the sectional viewsillustrated in the attached drawings the first surface of each layer ismeant to correspond to the top surface, in turn, unless statedotherwise, corresponding to the wearer facing surface of the article 20incorporating the absorbent core, while the second surface correspondsto the bottom surface, hence in turn the garment facing surface.

In general, in the absorbent core structure 28 of the present inventionthe arrangement of the various layers is such that the second surface ofthe layer of absorbent polymer material 110 is facing the first surfaceof the first or substrate layer 100, the first surface of the layer ofabsorbent polymer material 110 is facing the second surface of the layerof adhesive 120, and the second surface of the second or cover layer 130is facing the first surface of the layer of adhesive 120.

According to the present invention, at least portions of the firstsurface of the substrate layer 100 can be in contact with the layer ofabsorbent polymer material 110. This layer of absorbent polymer material110 comprises a first surface and a second surface, and can be typicallya uniform or non uniform layer, wherein by “uniform” or “non uniform” itis meant that the absorbent polymer material 110 can be distributed overthe substrate layer 100 respectively with uniform or non uniform basisweight over the area interested by the distribution. Conversely, thesecond surface of the layer of absorbent polymer material 110 can be inat least partial contact with the first surface of the substrate layer100. According to the present invention, the layer of absorbent polymermaterial 110 can also be a discontinuous layer that is a layer typicallycomprising openings, i.e. areas substantially free of absorbent polymermaterial, which in certain embodiments can be typically completelysurrounded by areas comprising absorbent polymer material. Typicallythese openings have a diameter or largest span of less than 10 mm, orless than 5 mm, or 3 mm, or 2 mm, or 1.5 mm and of more than 0.5 mm, or1 mm. At least portions of the second surface of the absorbent polymermaterial layer 110 can be in contact with at least portions of the firstsurface of the substrate layer material 100. The first surface of thelayer of absorbent polymer material 110 defines a certain height of thelayer of absorbent polymer material above the first surface of the layerof substrate material 100. When the absorbent polymer material layer 110is provided as a non uniform layer, typically for example as adiscontinuous layer, at least some portions of the first surface of thesubstrate layer 100 can be not covered by absorbent polymer material110. The absorbent core 28 further comprises a layer of adhesive 120,for example typically a hot melt adhesive. This typically hot meltadhesive 120 serves to at least partially immobilize the absorbentpolymer material 110. According to the present invention, the adhesive120 can be typically a fiberized hot melt adhesive, i.e., being providedin fibres as a fibrous layer.

The absorbent core 28 comprises a cover layer 130 having respectivefirst and second surface, positioned such that the second surface of thecover layer 130 can be in contact with the first surface of the layer oftypically hot melt adhesive 120.

According to the present invention comprising e.g. a non uniform layerof absorbent polymer material 110 the typically hot melt adhesive 120,for example typically provided as a fibrous layer, can be partially incontact with the absorbent polymer material 110 and partially in contactwith the substrate layer 100. FIGS. 3 and 4 show such a structure in anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this structure theabsorbent polymer material layer 110 is provided as a discontinuouslayer, a layer of adhesive 120 is laid down onto the layer of absorbentpolymer material 110, typically, for example, a layer of hot meltadhesive in fiberized form, such that the second surface of the adhesivelayer 120 can be in direct contact with the first surface of the layerof absorbent polymer material 110, but also in direct contact with thefirst surface of the substrate layer 100, where the substrate layer isnot covered by the absorbent polymer material 110, i.e. typically incorrespondence of the openings of the discontinuous layer of theabsorbent polymer material 110. By saying “in direct contact”, as wellas more generally “in contact”, as used herein, in contrast to moregenerally saying “facing”, it is meant that there is no furtherintermediate component layer between e.g. the layer of adhesive 120 andthe other respective layer in direct contact thereto, such as forexample a further fibrous layer. It is however not excluded that afurther adhesive material can be comprised between the layer of adhesive120 and the cover layer 130, or the layer of absorbent polymer material110 or, more typically, the substrate layer 100, such as for example asupplementary adhesive material provided onto the first surface of thesubstrate layer 100 to further stabilize the overlying absorbent polymermaterial 110. “In direct contact” and “in contact” can hence beconsidered to comprise in this context a direct adhesive contact betweenthe layer of hot melt adhesive 120 and another respective layer asexplained above, or more in general direct and, typically, adhesivecontact between two layers, e.g. the layer of absorbent polymer materialand the substrate layer. This imparts an essentially three-dimensionalstructure to the fibrous layer of hot melt adhesive 120 which in itselfis essentially a two-dimensional structure of relatively small thickness(in z-direction), as compared to the extension in x- and y-direction. Inother words, the layer of adhesive 120 undulates between the firstsurface of the absorbent polymer material 110 and the first surface ofthe substrate layer 100. The areas where the layer of adhesive 120 is indirect contact with the substrate layer 100, when present according toan embodiment of the present invention, are the areas of junction 140.

Thereby, in such an embodiment the adhesive 120 can provide spaces tohold the absorbent polymer material 110 typically towards the substratelayer 100, and can thereby immobilize this material. In a furtheraspect, the adhesive 120 can bond to the substrate 100 thus affixing theabsorbent polymer material 110 to the substrate 100. Typical hot meltadhesive materials can also penetrate into both the absorbent polymermaterial 110 and the substrate layer 100, thus providing for furtherimmobilization and affixation.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3 portions of the cover layer 130 bond toportions of the substrate layer 100 via the adhesive 120. Thereby, thesubstrate layer 100 together with the cover layer 130 can provide spacesto immobilize the absorbent polymer material 110.

Of course, while the typically hot melt adhesive materials disclosedherein can provide a much improved wet immobilisation, i.e.immobilisation of absorbent polymer material when the article is wet orat least partially loaded, these hot melt adhesive materials can alsoprovide a very good immobilisation of absorbent polymer material whenthe article is dry.

In accordance with the present invention, the absorbent polymer material110 may also be optionally mixed with fibrous material, which canprovide a matrix for further immobilization of the absorbent polymermaterial. However, typically a relatively low amount of fibrous materialcan be used, for example less than about 40 weight %, less than about 20weight %, or less than about 10 weight % of the total weight of theabsorbent polymer material 110, positioned within the areas of absorbentpolymer material.

According to the present invention, in a typically discontinuous layerof absorbent polymer material 110 the areas of absorbent polymermaterial can be connected to one another, while the areas of junction140 can be areas, which in an embodiment may correspond to the openingsin the discontinuous layer of absorbent polymer material, as shown forexample in FIG. 4. The areas of absorbent polymer material are thenreferred to as connected areas. In an alternative embodiment, the areasof junction 140 can be connected to one another. Then, the absorbentpolymer material can be deposited in a discrete pattern, or in otherwords the absorbent polymer material represents islands in a sea ofadhesive 120. Hence, in summary, a discontinuous layer of absorbentpolymer material 110 may comprise connected areas of absorbent polymermaterial 110, as e.g. illustrated in FIG. 4, or may alternativelycomprise discrete areas of absorbent polymer material 110.

The present invention, and for example the embodiments described withreference to FIGS. 3 and 4 can be typically used to provide theabsorbent core of an absorbent article, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Inthat case, no further materials wrapping the core, such as for example atop layer and a bottom layer are being used. With reference to theembodiment of FIG. 3 the optional cover layer 130 may provide thefunction of a top layer and the substrate layer 100 may provide thefunction of a bottom layer of an absorbent core, wherein top and bottomlayers respectively correspond to the body facing and garment facingsurfaces of the core 28 in an absorbent article.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, according to exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention, the areas of direct contact between the adhesive120 and the substrate material 100 are referred to as areas of junction140. The shape, number and disposition of the areas of junction 140 willinfluence the immobilization of the absorbent polymer material 110. Theareas of junction can be for example of squared, rectangular or circularshape. Areas of junction of circular shape can have a diameter of morethan 0.5 mm, or more than 1 mm, and of less than 10 mm, or less than 5mm, or less than 3 mm, or less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm. If theareas of junction 140 are not of circular shape, they can be of a sizeas to fit inside a circle of any of the diameters given above.

The areas of junction 140, when present, can be disposed in a regular orirregular pattern. For example, the areas of junction 140 may bedisposed along lines as shown in FIG. 4. These lines may be aligned withthe longitudinal axis of the absorbent core, or alternatively they mayhave a certain angle in respect to the longitudinal edges of the core. Adisposition along lines parallel with the longitudinal edges of theabsorbent core 28 might create channels in the longitudinal directionwhich can lead to a lesser wet immobilization, hence for example theareas of junction 140 can be arranged along lines which form an angle ofabout 20 degrees, or about 30 degrees, or about 40 degrees, or about 45degrees with the longitudinal edges of the absorbent core 28. Anotherpattern for the areas of junction 140 can be a pattern comprisingpolygons, for example pentagons and hexagons or a combination ofpentagons and hexagons. Also typical can be irregular patterns of areasof junction 140, which also can give a good wet immobilization.Irregular patterns of areas of junction 140 can also give a better fluidhandling behaviour in case of absorption of menses or blood or vaginaldischarges, since fluid can start diffusing in whichever direction fromany initial acquisition point with substantially the same probability ofcontacting the absorbent polymer material in the e.g. discontinuouslayer. Conversely, regular patterns might create preferential paths thefluid could follow with lesser probability of actually contacting theabsorbent polymer material.

According to the present invention the layer of adhesive 120 cancomprise any suitable adhesive material. Typically, the layer ofadhesive 120 can comprise any suitable hot melt adhesive material.

Without wishing to be bound by theory it has been found that those hotmelt adhesive materials can be most useful for immobilizing theabsorbent polymer material 110, which combine good cohesion and goodadhesion behaviour. Good adhesion can typically ensure that the hot meltadhesive layer 120 maintains good contact with the absorbent polymermaterial 110 and in particular with the substrate material 100. Goodadhesion is a challenge, namely when a nonwoven substrate material ispresent. Good cohesion ensures that the adhesive does not break, inparticular in response to external forces, and namely in response tostrain. The adhesive is subject to external forces when the absorbentproduct has acquired liquid, which is then stored in the absorbentpolymer material 110 which in response swells. An exemplary adhesiveshould allow for such swelling, without breaking and without impartingtoo many compressive forces, which would restrain the absorbent polymermaterial 110 from swelling. It may be desirable that the adhesive doesnot break, which would deteriorate the wet immobilization. Exemplarysuitable hot melt adhesive materials can be as described in the alreadymentioned patent application EP 1447067, particularly at sections [0050]to [0063].

The adhesive material, typically a hotmelt adhesive material, can betypically present in the form of fibres throughout the core, beingprovided with known means, i.e. the typically hot melt adhesive can befiberized. Typically, the fibres can have an average thickness fromabout 1 μm to about 100 μm, or from about 25 μm to about 75 μm, and anaverage length from about 5 mm to about 50 cm. In particular the layerof typically hot melt adhesive material can be provided such as tocomprise a net-like structure.

According to the present invention, the adhesive material constitutingthe layer of adhesive 120, typically a hot melt adhesive, may have abasis weight of from 11 g/m² to 3 g/m², preferably of from 9 g/m² to 5g/m², for example 8 g/m², or 6 g/m².

To improve the adhesiveness of the typically hot melt adhesive material120 to the substrate layer 100 or to any other layer, in particular anyother non-woven layer, such layers may be pre-treated with an auxiliaryadhesive.

In particular, typical parameters of a hot melt adhesive in accordancewith the present invention can be as follows.

In an aspect, the loss angle tan Delta of the adhesive at 60° C. shouldbe below the value of 1, or below the value of 0.5. The loss angle tanDelta at 60° C. is correlated with the liquid character of an adhesiveat elevated ambient temperatures. The lower tan Delta, the more anadhesive behaves like a solid rather than a liquid, i.e. the lower itstendency to flow or to migrate and the lower the tendency of an adhesivesuperstructure as described herein to deteriorate or even to collapseover time. This value is hence particularly important if the absorbentarticle is used in a hot climate.

In a further aspect, typical hot melt adhesives in accordance with thepresent invention may have a sufficient cohesive strength parameter γ.The cohesive strength parameter γ is measured using the RheologicalCreep Test as referred to hereinafter. A sufficiently low cohesivestrength parameter γ is representative of elastic adhesive which, forexample, can be stretched without tearing. If a stress of τ=1000 Pa isapplied, the cohesive strength parameter γ can be less than 100%, lessthan 90%, or less than 75%. For a stress of τ=125000 Pa, the cohesivestrength parameter γ can be less than 1200%, less than 1000%, or lessthan 800%.

It is believed that the layer of adhesive 120, typically a hot meltadhesive, provided onto the layer of absorbent polymer material 110, andin direct contact therewith, can provide an effective absorbentstructure, stabilizing and containing the absorbent polymer materialonto the substrate layer 100, both in dry, and also in wet conditions.This can be particularly relevant when the layer of absorbent polymermaterial 110 is provided by absorbent polymer particles, wherein theoccurrence of loose absorbent polymer particles within the absorbentcore structure is minimized.

Materials

Exemplary materials for the substrate layer 100 according to the presentinvention can comprise nonwoven materials comprising synthetic fibres,or natural fibres, or mixtures thereof, such as for example cardednonwovens, or more typically airlaid or wetlaid fibrous materials. Thesubstrate layer 100 according to the present invention can be selectedfor example among latex or thermal bonded airlaid fibrous materials,comprising synthetic fibres and 0 to 50% by weight, or 0 to 20% byweight natural fibres, such as for example cellulose fibres.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the substratelayer 100 can comprise a fibrous material comprising cellulose orcellulose derivative fibres, for example from about 40% to about 100% byweight of cellulose or cellulose derivative fibres, or from about 50% toabout 95% by weight of cellulose or cellulose derivative fibres, or alsofrom about 60% to about 90% by weight of cellulose or cellulosederivative fibres. In a core structure according to the presentinvention a substrate layer 100 constituted by a fibrous materialcomprising a substantial percentage of cellulose fibres can provide anadvantage in terms of liquid distribution towards the liquid fractionwhich is not immediately absorbed by the upper layer of absorbentpolymer material 110, and is directly acquired by the substrate layer100.

According to the present invention, basis weights for the first orsubstrate layer 100 can typically range from about 10 g/m² to about 120g/m², or from about 20 g/m² to about 100 g/m², or also from about 30g/m² to about 70 g/m².

Exemplary materials for the cover layer 130 can be provided by nonwovenmaterials comprising synthetic fibres, such as polyethylene (PE),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and cellulose orcellulose derivative fibres. Exemplary materials can comprise forexample from about 0% to about 90% by weight of cellulose or cellulosederivative fibres, or from about 50% to about 85% by weight of celluloseor cellulose derivative fibres, or also from about 60% to about 80% byweight of cellulose or also typically cellulose derivative fibres. Asthe synthetic polymers used for nonwoven production are usuallyinherently hydrophobic, they can be typically coated with hydrophiliccoatings, for example with durably hydrophilic coatings to providepermanently hydrophilic nonwovens. Other nonwoven materials for thecover layer 130 can comprise composite structures such as a so calledSMS material, comprising a spunbonded, a melt-blown and a furtherspunbonded layer. Basis weights for the second or cover layer 130according to the present invention can typically range from 10 g/m² to80 g/m², or from 10 g/m² to 60 g/m², or also from 20 m g/m² to 40 g/m².

Typically the absorbent polymer material 110 for the absorbent coresaccording to the present invention can comprise absorbent polymerparticles, known in the art e.g. as superabsorbent materials, or asabsorbent gelling materials (AGM), or also as hydrogel formingmaterials, as referred to in the Background of the Invention. Typicallyabsorbent polymer particles can have a selected average particle size.

According to the present invention, absorbent polymer materials,typically in particle form, can be selected among polyacrylates andpolyacrylate based materials, such as for example partially neutralized,crosslinked polyacrylates.

According to the present invention the layer of absorbent polymermaterial 110 in the absorbent core 28 can be present throughout the areaof the absorbent core in an average basis weight of less than 250 g/m²,or of less than about 200 g/m², or from about 60 g/m² to about 180 g/m²,or from about 70 g/m² to about 150 g/m². An average basis weight istypically based on the whole area of the zone of application, i.e.interested by the layer of absorbent polymer material, and hencecomprising possible openings included in an e.g. discontinuous layer.Typically, the absorbent polymer material 110 can constitute at leastabout 45%, or at least about 50%, or at least about 55%, by weight ofthe absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core can typically correspondto the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, hencecomprising the substrate layer, the layer of absorbent polymer material,the layer of thermoplastic material, the cover layer, and any othermaterial possibly comprised within this structure as described above,namely for example the additional fibrous material mentioned above orthe additional adhesive material.

The absorbent polymer particles of the layer of absorbent polymermaterial 110, can typically have a selected average particle size fromabout 200μ to about 600μ, or from about 300μ to about 500μ.

The average particle size of a material in particulate form, namely forexample the absorbent polymer material, can be determined as it is knownin the art, for example by means of dry sieve analysis. Optical methods,e.g. based on light scattering and image analysis techniques, can alsobe used.

According to the present invention the absorbent polymer material,typically e.g. in particle form, can be selected among the polyacrylatebased polymers described in the PCT Patent Application WO 07/047598,which are polyacrylate based materials very slightly crosslinked, orsubstantially not crosslinked at all, this further improving the abovementioned synergistic effect. Particularly, said polyacrylate basedmaterials can have an extractable fraction of at least about 30% byweight, between about 30% and about 80% by weight, or between about 32%and about 70% by weight, evaluated according to the Extractables testmethod described in the above referenced application. Alternatively,said polyacrylate based materials can have a retention capacity of atleast about 30 g/g, at least about 35 g/g, or at least about 40 g/g,evaluated according to the Centrifuge Retention Capacity test describedin the above referenced application. The absorbent polymer material canalso be selected among the polyacrylate based polymers described in thePCT Patent Application WO 07/046052. Said polymers in fact areparticularly effective in absorbing complex body fluids such as mensesor blood, and upon absorption of such fluids do not generally show amarked swelling, followed by gel blocking, like traditionalsuperabsorbents, but rather act to a certain extent as thickeners of thebody fluid, immobilizing it as a sort of gelatinous mass within theabsorbent structure, for example in the interstices among the fibres,without causing substantial swelling and in turn a sensible increase ofthe overall thickness of the absorbent core.

According to the present invention, the absorbent core can provide amore efficient fluid management, in terms of acquisition, immobilizationand absorption and a better comfort, during the entire wearing time ofthe article, as explained above, which can be particularly useful incase of complex body fluids such as menses or blood. Overall, thisincreased efficiency in the composite structure according to the presentinvention can translate in a more effective exploitation of theabsorbent capacity of the absorbent polymer material, also in presenceof problematic body fluids such as menses or blood or vaginaldischarges, and possibly also in a more efficient use of the entirestructure of the absorbent core.

This is achieved in a structure which is typically thin and flexible,yet capable of employing more completely the absorption andimmobilization capacity of the different materials, and having improvedfit and resilience during absorption and therefore increased comfortduring use.

According to the present invention, the absorbent core structure 28 canbe constituted by the layers 100, 110, 120, and 130 described above, orcan comprise additional layers. For example, an absorbent article cancomprise an absorbent core according to the present invention furthercomprising a fibrous acquisition layer, for example between the secondor cover layer 130 and the topsheet. According to the present inventionthe acquisition layer can for example comprise fibrous nonwovenmaterials made by air laying or wet laying of synthetic fibres such aspolyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polypropylene(PP), similarly to the cover layer 130 of the absorbent core 28 of thepresent invention.

Exemplary materials for the fluid acquisition layer could comprisespunbonded or carded nonwoven materials, or airlaid materials such asfor example latex bonded or thermal bonded airlaid materials. Basisweights can typically range from about 10 g/m² to about 60 g/m², or fromabout 25 g/m² to about 40 g/m².

According to another embodiment of the present invention the absorbentarticle can comprise a further fibrous layer comprised for examplebetween the first or substrate layer 100 and the backsheet, i.e.typically provided at the garment facing surface of the core. Thisoptional layer can be provided by similar fibrous materials as thosealready described for the substrate layer 100 of the absorbent core ofthe present invention. This optional fibrous layer according to thisfurther embodiment of the present invention can act as an added wickinglayer receiving and distributing excess fluid. The presence of cellulosefibres can make the layer particularly effective in acquiring anddiffusing the fraction of body fluids like menses or blood which is notcompletely absorbed by the absorbent polymer material of the absorbentcore 28.

Further materials, also typically in particle form, can be comprised inthe layer of absorbent polymer material, for example known odour controlmaterials, or inert materials such as silica.

Backsheet

The absorbent article of FIG. 1 comprising the absorbent core accordingto the present invention can also comprise a backsheet 40. The backsheetmay be used to prevent the fluids absorbed and contained in theabsorbent structure from wetting materials that contact the absorbentarticle such as underpants, pants, pyjamas, undergarments, and shirts orjackets, thereby acting as a barrier to fluid transport. The backsheetaccording to the present invention can also allow the transfer of atleast water vapour, or both water vapour and air through it.

Especially when the absorbent article finds utility as a sanitary napkinor panty liner, the absorbent article can be also provided with a pantyfastening means, which provides means to attach the article to anundergarment, for example a panty fastening adhesive on the garmentfacing surface of the backsheet. Wings or side flaps meant to foldaround the crotch edge of an undergarment can be also provided on theside edges of the napkin.

In the present invention, the absorbent core structure can be providedby appropriately selecting its components, and particularly typicallythe substrate layer, the absorbent polymer material, and the coverlayer, in order to improve its fluid handling properties. In a thinabsorbent structure as that of the present invention, a high fluidacquisition capacity and a low rewet are two characteristics which aremost beneficial to the user, as they ultimately provide for an absorbentproduct, comprising the absorbent core structure of the invention, whichpromptly acquires and absorbs fluid, also after sudden gushes, andeffectively retains it also under pressure, typically for example whenthe article is squeezed and to a certain extent deformed by the forcesexerted by the body during wear. Rewet of an absorbent structure, asknown in the art, corresponds to the tendency of the absorbent structureto give back fluid after its absorption when subjected to compression,and can be measured according to appropriate tests. Hence rewet can be ameasure of how effectively absorbed fluid is entrapped within anabsorbent structure, and a low rewet generally corresponds to a bettercapacity of the absorbent structure of holding fluid, and of ultimatelyproviding an absorbent article which can have a less wet, hence a driersurface and thus be more comfortable to the wearer. Typically in anabsorbent structure a high fluid acquisition capacity, i.e. namely thecapacity of acquiring fluid quickly within the structure, also whenprovided as a sudden gush, can be associated to a relative openness ofthe absorbent structure itself, which in turn can be less than optimalfor rewet. Hence a high fluid acquisition capacity and a low rewet,though most beneficial for an absorbent structure, can be considered ascontrasting features of an absorbent structure, particularly for a thinabsorbent structure which can be preferred for comfort and discreetness,for which so far it has been necessary to compromise.

It has been now discovered that, by suitably selecting the componentelements of an absorbent structure of the present invention it ispossible to achieve both low rewet and high fluid acquisition capacity,moreover in an absorbent structure which is also particularly thin.

The performances of an absorbent structure in terms of fluid acquisitioncapacity and rewet can be measured according to appropriate test methodsdescribed herein. In particular, the fluid acquisition capacity ismeasured as the acquisition time of the absorbent structure afterprovision of multiple gushes of fluid at different times; it has beenfound that the acquisition time after the third gush, according to thetest method described herein, can be considered representative of thecapability of the absorbent core structure of effectively receivingsubsequent amounts of fluid in an already wet condition, i.e. after acertain amount of fluid has been already acquired.

According to the present invention, the component elements of anabsorbent core structure as that illustrated in FIG. 3 may be suitablyselected in order to have certain characteristics, expressed in terms ofcertain selected parameters which are used to represent them. Accordingto the present invention, the parameters are Permeability, Porosity andThickness, as will be explained more in detail. Generally speaking,Permeability may be considered in the context of the present inventionas representative of the capability of a given material to transmitfluid in the x-y plane, while Porosity can be considered asrepresentative of the void volume fraction of a material, typicallyavailable for absorption of fluid.

An absorbent core structure according to the present invention, forexample as illustrated in FIG. 3, can have a second or cover layer 130with a Permeability of at least 200 Darcy, or at least 250 Darcy, oralso at least 300 Darcy. According to the present invention, thePermeability of the second or cover layer 130 can be up to 500 Darcy, orup to 600 Darcy. According to the present invention the cover layer 130may be selected in order to have a Porosity of at least 0.85, ortypically of 0.85 to 0.95, or also of 0.87 to 0.90.

The substrate or first layer 100 of an absorbent core structureaccording to the present invention may be selected such as to have athickness of 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm, or typically of 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm.

The overall thickness of the absorbent core structure according to thepresent invention can be of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, or of 1 mm to 2 mm, henceproviding an absorbent structure having the desired characteristics offluid acquisition and rewet in a very thin structure, owing to theappropriate selection of the component materials according to thecriteria illustrated in the present invention.

Porosity, Permeability and Thickness are measured for the respectivelayers according to the test methods described herein.

The overall basis weight of an absorbent structure according to thepresent invention can be of 90 g/m² to 400 g/m², or of 100 g/m² to 350g/m², or also of 130 g/m² to 270 g/m².

The absorbent core structure according to the present invention shallcomprise at least the first and the second layer 100, 130, the layer ofabsorbent polymer material 110 and the layer of adhesive 120, asdescribed herein, and in an embodiment of the present invention can beactually constituted by the above layers. According to the presentinvention the absorbent core structure can also comprise other layers,as already explained. For example, the absorbent core structurecomprised between the topsheet and the backsheet can further compriseadditional layers such as an acquisition layer and/or a distributionlayer, respectively positioned for example between the cover layer 130and the topsheet 30, or between the substrate layer 100 and thebacksheet 40.

The invention will be illustrated with the following examples, whereabsorbent core structures are described having a first layer orsubstrate layer 100 corresponding, when the absorbent core structure isincorporated within an absorbent core product, such as for exampletypically a sanitary napkin, to a garment-facing surface of thestructure itself, while the second or cover layer 130 corresponds to thewearer-facing surface.

An absorbent core as that illustrated in FIG. 3 comprises a first layeror substrate layer 100 constituted by a 65 g/m² Latex Bonded AirLaid(LBAL) fibrous layer constituted by a homogeneous blend of 16 g/m²polyethylene terephthalate (PET), 6.7 dtex, 6 mm long fibres and 19.5g/m² pulp fibres laid onto a 10 g/m² spunbonded polypropylene nonwoven,with 19.5 g/m² latex, having a thickness of 0.7 mm, identified asmaterial “D” in Table 1, a layer of absorbent polymer material 110constituted by a particulate superabsorbent material available fromNippon Shokubai under the trade name Aqualic L520 distributed onto thesubstrate layer in a uniform layer having overall an average basisweight of 144 g/m², a layer of adhesive material 120 constituted by ahot melt adhesive available from HB Fuller under the trade name NV 1151Zeropack applied in fibres having an average thickness of about 50 μm ata basis weight of 8 g/m², the layers 110 and 120 having an overallthickness of 0.5 mm, and a second layer or cover layer 130 constitutedby a 28 g/m² hydrophilic spunbonded nonwoven of bicomponent 80/20core/sheath polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE) fibres, treated with 0.5%by weight Silastol PHP26 surfactant made by Schill & Seilacher, Germany,having a thickness of 0.3 mm, identified as material “A” in Table 1.

The absorbent core constitutes the comparative example, identified asOption 1 in Table 1 below, where overall six different absorbent corestructures are shown, corresponding to Option 1 to Option 6, havingdifferent materials for the substrate or first layer 100 and for thecover or second layer 130, characterized by different values of therespective characteristics of Porosity and Permeability for the secondor cover layer 130, and of Thickness for the substrate or first layer100. The layer of absorbent polymer material 110 and the layer ofadhesive 120 are the same in all Options. The values of Acquisition,namely the acquisition time after the third gush, and of Rewet, measuredaccording to the respective test methods, are reported in the Table 1for the absorbent core structures, and show the effect on the finalperformance of the absorbent core structures of the selection of thecomponent materials according to the present invention.

In Options 2 and 3 the second or cover layer 130 is changed, havingPorosity and Permeability values according to the invention, whichresult in better overall performing structures, as can be seen from themuch better Acquisition value of Option 2, with a rather good Rewet, andparticularly by the very low Rewet value of Option 3, obtained incombination with a slightly less favourable Acquisition, stilldefinitely better than the Comparative Option 1, which shows theinfluence of a particularly high Permeability of the second or coverlayer 130.

Options 4, 5 and 6 show the effect of varying the characteristics,namely the thickness, of the first or substrate layer 100, incombination with the same second or cover layer 130 of Option 2. It canbe noted that Option 6, comprising a thin first or substrate layer 100,although still featuring a fairly good Rewet, has a definitely poorbehaviour in terms of Acquisition. Options 4 and 5, instead, have bothgood Acquisition and Rewet compared to the Comparative Option 1.Particularly Option 5, where the first or substrate layer 100 has athickness almost corresponding to that of Option 2, although constitutedby a different material, shows substantially equivalent values for theAcquisition and the Rewet of the resulting structure, implying thethickness as the relevant parameter for the first or substrate layer 100of the absorbent ore structure according to the present invention.

TABLE 1 Substrate Cover Cover layer layer Substrate Layer PermeabilityThickness Acquisition Rewet Option Cover layer layer Porosity (Darcy)(mm) (sec) (g) 1 A D 0.845 160.2 0.79 86 0.29 2 B D 0.874 254.6 0.79 540.20 3 C D 0.941 330.8 0.79 76 0.04 4 B E 0.874 254.6 1.12 57 0.15 5 B F0.874 254.6 0.76 50 0.16 6 B G 0.874 254.6 0.35 123 0.19

The materials for the cover or second layer 130 and for the substrate orfirst layer 100 in the various options in Table 1 are as follows.

“A” has been already described above with reference to the comparativeOption 1.

“B” is a 12 g/m² spunbond nonwoven constituted by bicomponent 80/20core/sheath polypropylene/polyethylene fibres, treated with 0.5% byweight Silastol PHP26 surfactant made by Schill & Seilacher, Germany,commercially available from Pegas Nonwovens S.A. under the code201200010200WW/ZZ.

“C” is a 30 g/m² hydroentangled spunlaced nonwoven comprising PETfibres, available from Ahlstrom Milano s.r.l. under the code MI57422030.

“D” has been already described above with reference to the comparativeOption 1.

“E” is an 80 g/m² hybrid bonded, i.e. thermal and latex bonded, air laidmaterial constituted by a homogeneous blend of 80% by weight pulpfibres, 14% by weight of core/sheath 50/50 PP/PE bicomponent fibres and6% by weight latex, commercially available from Glatfelter USA, formerlyConcert Industries Ltd, under the code MH080.102.137.B0999.

“F” is a 95 g/m² airlaid material constituted by a homogeneous blend of21 g/m² polyethylene powder from Schaetti AG, 46.5 g/m² semi treated EFcellulose pulp from Stora Enso AB, 5.5 g/m² AF192 latex from AirProducts, laid onto a 22 g/m² polypropylene nonwoven carrier fromFiberweb plc; the airlaid material is made by Rexcell Tissue & AirlaidAB and is comprised in the absorbent core structure with the carrierside corresponding to the second surface.

“G” is a 30 g/m² airthrough bonded dual layer nonwoven of 50/50 PP/PEcore/sheath bicomponent fibres, constituted by a 10 g/m² bottom layer,corresponding to the second surface thereof, of 2 denier, 38 mm longfibres, and of a 20 g/m² top layer, corresponding to the first surfacethereof, of 5.2 denier, 38 mm long fibres, available from Tenotex S.p.A.under the trade name Airten Bilayer 1130WZ0114.

The parameters of Permeability and Thickness for the component layers ofthe absorbent core structure, as well as of Acquisition and Rewet of theoverall absorbent core structure of the present invention are measuredaccording to the attached test methods, while the Porosity is calculatedaccording the attached method.

As known to the person skilled in the art, all of the above propertiesdepend on the confining pressure applied onto the sample for themeasurement/calculation; the standard confining pressure is intended tobe 0.25±0.01 psi if not stated otherwise as this resembles the relevantexperimental condition.

Unless stated otherwise, all tests are performed at 23° C.±2° C. and arelative humidity 50%±5%. All samples are conditioned in thisenvironment for twenty four (24) hours before testing.

Thickness

The thickness of a layer of the absorbent core structure according tothe present invention, or alternatively of a combinations of layers, forexample of an entire absorbent core structure, can be measured with anyavailable method known to the skilled person under the selectedconfining pressure of 0.25±0.01 psi. For example, the INDA standard testmethod WSP 120.1 (05) can be used, wherein for the “Thickness testinggage” described under section 5.1, the “applied force”, section 5.1.e,is set at 0.25±0.01 psi, and the “Readability”, section 5.1.f, has to be0.01 mm.

Porosity (ε)

Porosity of a specific material constituting the absorbent corestructure, is the void volume fraction of the total volume of amaterial. Depending on the material the porosity may change if thestructure is loaded with liquid, for the current invention the porosityis intended calculated for the dry condition. In dry condition Porositycan be easily calculated knowing the composition of the material, thethickness under the desired confining pressure (0.25 psi) and the bulkdensity of each single component of the material according the followingequation.

$\begin{matrix}{ɛ = {1 - {\sum\limits_{i}\;\frac{{BW}_{i}}{\rho_{i} \cdot B}}}} & \left( {E\; 37} \right)\end{matrix}$

Where i is the index counting over all the component, BW_(i) is theBasis Weight of a specific component, ρ_(i) is the bulk density of aspecific component and B the thickness of the material under the desiredconfining pressure.

In Plane Radial Permeability (IPRP)

This test is suitable for measurement of the In-Plane RadialPermeability (IPRP) of a porous material. The quantity of a salinesolution (0.9% NaCl) flowing radially through an annular sample of thematerial under constant pressure is measured as a function of time.

The IPRP sample holder 400 is shown in FIG. 5 and comprises acylindrical bottom plate 405, top plate 410, and cylindrical stainlesssteel weight 415.

Top plate 410 comprises an annular base plate 420 10 mm thick with anouter diameter of 70.0 mm and a tube 425 of 190 mm length fixed at thecenter thereof. The tube 425 has in outer diameter of 15.8 mm and aninner diameter of 12.0 mm. The tube is adhesively fixed into a circular12 mm hole in the center of the base plate 420 such that the lower edgeof the tube is flush with the lower surface of the base plate, asdepicted in FIG. 5. The bottom plate 405 and top plate 410 arefabricated from Lexan® or equivalent. The stainless steel weight 415 hasan outer diameter of 70 mm and an inner diameter of 15.9 mm so that theweight is a close sliding fit on tube 425. The thickness of thestainless steel weight 415 is approximately 25 mm and is adjusted sothat the total weight of the top plate 410 and the stainless steelweight 415 is 660 g±1 g to provide 1.7 kPa of confining pressure duringthe measurement.

Bottom plate 405 is approximately 50 mm thick and has two registrationgrooves 430 cut into the lower surface of the plate such that eachgroove spans the diameter of the bottom plate and the grooves areperpendicular to each other. Each groove is 1.5 mm wide and 2 mm deep.Bottom plate 405 has a horizontal hole 435 which spans the diameter ofthe plate. The horizontal hole 435 has a diameter of 11 mm and itscentral axis is 12 mm below the upper surface of bottom plate 405.Bottom plate 405 also has a central vertical hole 440 which has adiameter of 10 mm and is 8 mm deep. The central hole 440 connects to thehorizontal hole 435 to form a T-shaped cavity in the bottom plate 405.The outer portions of the horizontal hole 435 are threaded toaccommodate pipe elbows 445 which are attached to the bottom plate 405in a watertight fashion. One elbow is connected to a verticaltransparent tube 460 with a height of 190 mm and an internal diameter of10 mm. The tube 460 is scribed with a suitable mark 470 at a height of100 mm above the upper surface of the bottom plate 420. This is thereference for the fluid level to be maintained during the measurement.The other elbow 445 is connected to the fluid delivery reservoir 700(described below) via a flexible tube.

A suitable fluid delivery reservoir 700 is shown in FIG. 6. Reservoir700 is situated on a suitable laboratory jack 705 and has an air-tightstoppered opening 710 to facilitate filling of the reservoir with fluid.An open-ended glass tube 715 having an inner diameter of 10 mm extendsthrough a port 720 in the top of the reservoir such that there is anairtight seal between the outside of the tube and the reservoir.Reservoir 700 is provided with an L-shaped delivery tube 725 having aninlet 730 that is below the surface of the fluid in the reservoir, astopcock 735, and an outlet 740. The outlet 740 is connected to elbow445 via flexible plastic tubing 450 (e.g. Tygon®). The internal diameterof the delivery tube 725, stopcock 735, and flexible plastic tubing 450enable fluid delivery to the IPRP sample holder 400 at a high enoughflow rate to maintain the level of fluid in tube 460 at the scribed mark470 at all times during the measurement. The reservoir 700 has acapacity of approximately 6 litres, although larger reservoirs may berequired depending on the sample thickness and permeability. Other fluiddelivery systems may be employed provided that they are able to deliverthe fluid to the sample holder 400 and maintain the level of fluid intube 460 at the scribed mark 470 for the duration of the measurement.

The IPRP catchment funnel 500 is shown in FIG. 6 and comprises an outerhousing 505 with an internal diameter at the upper edge of the funnel ofapproximately 125 mm. Funnel 500 is constructed such that liquid fallinginto the funnel drains rapidly and freely from spout 515. A stand withhorizontal flange 520 around the funnel 500 facilitates mounting thefunnel in a horizontal position. Two integral vertical internal ribs 510span the internal diameter of the funnel and are perpendicular to eachother. Each rib 510 s 1.5 mm wide and the top surfaces of the ribs liein a horizontal plane. The funnel housing 500 and ribs 510 arefabricated from a suitably rigid material such as Lexan® or equivalentin order to support sample holder 400. To facilitate loading of thesample it is advantageous for the height of the ribs to be sufficient toallow the upper surface of the bottom plate 405 to lie above the funnelflange 520 when the bottom plate 405 is located on ribs 510. A bridge530 is attached to flange 520 in order to mount two digital calipers 535to measure the relative height of the stainless steel weight 415. Thedigital calipers 535 have a resolution of ±0.01 mm over a range of 25mm. A suitable digital caliper is a Mitutoyo model 575-123 (availablefrom McMaster Can Co., catalog no. 19975-A73), or equivalent. Eachcaliper is interfaced with a computer to allow height readings to berecorded periodically and stored electronically on the computer. Bridge530 has two circular holes 17 mm in diameter to accommodate tubes 425and 460 without the tubes touching the bridge.

Funnel 500 is mounted over an electronic balance 600, as shown in FIG.6. The balance has a resolution of ±0.01 g and a capacity of at least1000 g. The balance 600 is also interfaced with a computer to allow thebalance reading to be recorded periodically and stored electronically onthe computer. A suitable balance is Mettler-Toledo model PG5002-S orequivalent. A collection container 610 is situated on the balance pan sothat liquid draining from the funnel spout 515 falls directly into thecontainer 610.

The funnel 500 is mounted so that the upper surfaces of ribs 510 lie ina horizontal plane. Balance 600 and container 610 are positioned underthe funnel 500 so that liquid draining from the funnel spout 515 fallsdirectly into the container 610. The IPRP sample holder 400 is situatedcentrally in the funnel 500 with the ribs 510 located in grooves 430.The upper surface of the bottom plate 405 must be perfectly flat andlevel. The top plate 410 is aligned with and rests on the bottom plate405. The stainless steel weight 415 surrounds the tube 425 and rests onthe top plate 410. Tube 425 extends vertically through the central holein the bridge 530. Both calipers 535 are mounted firmly to the bridge530 with the foot resting on a point on the upper surface of thestainless steel weight 415. The calipers are set to zero in this state.The reservoir 700 is filled with 0.9% saline solution and re-sealed. Theoutlet 740 is connected to elbow 445 via flexible plastic tubing 450.

An annular sample 475 of the material to be tested is cut by suitablemeans. The sample has an outer diameter of 70 mm and an inner holediameter of 12mm. One suitable means of cutting the sample is to use adie cutter with sharp concentric blades.

The top plate 410 is lifted enough to insert the sample 475 between thetop plate and the bottom plate 405 with the sample centered on thebottom plate and the plates aligned. The stopcock 735 is opened and thelevel of fluid in tube 460 is set to the scribed mark 470 by adjustingthe height of the reservoir 700 using the jack 705 and by adjusting theposition of the tube 715 in the reservoir. When the fluid level in thetube 460 is stable at the scribed mark 470 initiate recording data fromthe balance and calipers by the computer. Balance readings and timeelapsed are recorded every 10 seconds for five minutes. The averagesample thickness B is calculated from all caliper reading between 60seconds and 300 seconds and expressed in cm. The flow rate in grams persecond is the slope calculated by linear least squares regression fit ofthe balance reading (dependent variable) at different times (independentvariable) considering only the readings between 60 seconds and 300seconds.

Permeability k (cm²) is then calculated by the following equation:

$\begin{matrix}{k = \frac{\left( {Q/\rho_{1}} \right) \cdot \mu \cdot {\ln\left( {R_{0}/R_{i}} \right)}}{2{\pi \cdot B \cdot \Delta}\; p}} & \left( {E\; 47\text{-}a} \right)\end{matrix}$Where:

-   -   k is the permeability (cm²).    -   Q is the flow rate (g/s).    -   ρ_(l) is the liquid density (g/cm³).    -   μ is the liquid viscosity at 20° C. (Pa*s).    -   R₀ is the outer sample radius (cm).    -   R_(i) is the inner sample radius (cm).    -   B is the average sample thickness (cm)    -   Δp is the pressure drop (Pa) calculated according to the        following Equation E47-b:

$\begin{matrix}{{\Delta\; p} = {\left( {{\Delta\; h} - \frac{B}{2}} \right) \cdot g \cdot \rho_{1} \cdot 10}} & \left( {E\; 47\text{-}b} \right)\end{matrix}$Where:

-   -   Δh is the measured liquid hydrostatic pressure (cm)    -   g is the acceleration constant (m/sec²).    -   ρ_(l) is the liquid density (g/cm³).        The permeability is then converted and reported in Darcy        Rewet

The rewet method is utilized to assess the dryness of the absorbent corestructure with respect to its wearer facing surface, i.e., typically thefirst surface of the second or cover layer thereof. The test fluid thatis utilized for this test is Artificial Menstrual Fluid (AMF).

Apparatus:

-   -   1) Blotting Paper available from Whatman (Germany) S & S        Rundfilter/Durchmesser 150 mm, No.; 597, Reference-No.: 311812.    -   2) A weight of 4200 g covered on the lower surface with a foam        of moderate flexibility. Both the weight and foam are covered        with a thin, flexible plastic film to avoid the foam absorbing        fluid. The weight dimensions should allow a 6 cm×10 cm surface        to contact the sample under examination. Pressure exerted onto        the sample=70 g/cm².    -   3) A perspex (7 mm thick) plate of dimensions 6 cm×10 cm with a        hole of dimensions 3 cm×4 cm centered in the template.    -   4) A burette capable of introducing the test fluid at a        reproducible rate of 7 ml in 90 seconds.    -   5) An analytical balance capable of reading to 4 decimal places.        Sample Preparation/Measurement.

A 59 mm×228 mm rectangular sample of the absorbent core structure to beassessed is placed on a flat laboratory surface with the cover layerfacing up and centered directly below the burette for test liquiddelivery. The perspex plate is positioned on the sample, centered on it,and the AMF test liquid is introduced over the exposed areacorresponding to the hole in the perspex plate. After 90 seconds 7 ml ofAMF have been introduced to the sample and an electronic counter set to20 min is activated. During this waiting period a stack of 7 discs offilter paper are weighed on the analytical balance and the weight isrecorded.

After 20 min the perspex plate is removed and the stack of filter papersis positioned centrally on the sample being assessed and the weight isgently lowered onto the filter paper stack. The sample and filter paperstack remain under the pressure exerted by the weight for a period of 15seconds, after which the weight is carefully removed and the filterpaper stack is re-weighed. The difference in weight (to the nearestmilligram) is recorded as the rewet value. Each test is repeated for atleast 5 samples and averaged to ensure adequate accuracy of themeasurements.

Acquisition

This procedure measures a product's ability to “keep on absorbing”(acquisition decay) subject to repeated assaults of fluid under aprescribed set of conditions. This method evaluates the time requiredfor the acquisition of given amounts of liquid during repeatedimbibitions (three imbibitions of 3 ml each), at relatively high speed(about 3 ml/sec) and under pressure of 1723.7 Pa (0.25 PSI), to model“in use” pressure while wearing.

Each absorbent core structure sample having a rectangular shape 59mm×228 mm is laid down on a flat surface with the cover layer facing up.A sheet of an apertured formed film is evenly placed onto the sample,with the smoother side facing up; the sheet has a size such that itcompletely covers the sample. The apertured formed film is a vacuumformed macroscopically expanded three dimensional formed film used as atopsheet in commercial hygienic sanitary articles currently sold inItaly under the trade name Lines Seta, having an open area of about 30%,and is similar to the three dimensional plastic webs described forexample in U.S. Pat. No. 4,464,045; it is made of a LDPE/LLDPE blendalso containing 0.6% by weight of a surfactant sold under the trade nameof Atmer 100. An acquisition plate is placed on the sample and theapertured formed film, centered on the sample. The acquisition platecomprises a rectangular plexiglas plate 70 mm×220 mm×8 mm with anaperture 22 mm in diameter formed in the centre therein. A cylinder 45mm high and 22 mm in internal diameter is located over the aperture insealing contact with the plate. The cylinder is filled with ArtificialMenstrual Fluid (AMF), and a pressure of 1723.7 Pa (0.25 PSI) is appliedto the plate, obtained with appropriate weights positioned on the plate,the pressure being that measured with reference to the portion of thesample under the acquisition plate. The acquisition time is the timefrom the beginning of each imbibition until the disappearance of theliquid from the interior of the cylinder. A waiting time of 5 minutes isleft after each imbibition before repeating the procedure.

The acquisition time after the third imbibition is recorded as theAcquisition of the absorbent core structure of the invention.

Each test is repeated for at least 5 samples and averaged to ensureadequate accuracy of the measurements.

Rheological Creep Test

The Rheological Creep Test mentioned hereinabove for measuring thecohesive strength parameter γ is as described in the copending patentapplication EP 1447067, assigned to the Procter & Gamble Company.

Preparation of Artificial Menstrual Fluid (AMF)

Artificial Menstrual Fluid is based on modified sheep's blood that hasbeen modified to ensure it closely resembles human menstrual fluid inviscosity, electrical conductivity, surface tension and appearance. Itis prepared as explained in U.S. Pat. No. 6,417,424, assigned to TheProcter & Gamble Company, from line 33 of column 17 to line 45 of column18, to which reference is made.

Sample Preparation of Material From an Absorbent Article

When starting from an article comprising the absorbent core structure,in turn comprising the component layers, said layers can be isolatedwith known means in order to be tested. Typically, in a disposableabsorbent article the topsheet can be removed from the backsheet and theabsorbent core structure can be separated from any additional layers, ifpresent. For example, the absorbent polymer material can be removed fromthe substrate layer and the layer of thermoplastic material, e.g.mechanically if possible, or by use of a suitable solvent, in case e.g.the thermoplastic material is a hot melt adhesive. Particles ofabsorbent polymer material can be hence isolated from other elements ofthe core e.g., by washing with a suitable solvent which does notinteract with the absorbent polymer particles, as can be readilydetermined by the man skilled in the art. Similarly, the first orsubstrate layer and the second or cover layer can be isolated, in orderto be tested, by carefully separating each layer from the othercomponents of the absorbent core structure, for example mechanicallyfreeing each layer from e.g. adhesive material, or alternatively bywashing with a suitable solvent which does not interact with thematerials of the respective layers. The solvent is then dried and thelayers or the particles of absorbent polymer material can be collected,for example from a plurality of articles of the same type, in thenecessary amounts to run the tests.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect ofany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent core structure for an absorbentarticle, the absorbent core structure comprising a first layer, thefirst layer comprising a first layer first surface and a first layersecond surface, the absorbent core structure further comprising a layerof absorbent polymer material, the layer of absorbent polymer materialcomprising a layer of absorbent polymer material first surface and alayer of absorbent polymer material second surface, the absorbent corestructure further comprising a layer of adhesive, the layer of adhesivecomprising a layer of adhesive first surface and a layer of adhesivesecond surface, wherein the layer of absorbent polymer material iscomprised between the layer of adhesive and the first layer; the layerof absorbent polymer material second surface is facing the first layerfirst surface; and the layer of absorbent polymer material first surfaceis facing the layer of adhesive second surface, the absorbent corestructure further comprises a second layer having respective first andsecond surface, positioned such that the second layer second surface isfacing the layer of adhesive first surface characterized in that thefirst layer of the absorbent core structure has a thickness of 0.4 mm to1.5 mm, and the second layer of the absorbent core structure has aPermeability of at least 200 Darcy and a Porosity of at least 0.85;wherein the core exhibits an acquisition of less than 80 seconds for athird inhibition.
 2. An absorbent core structure according to claim 1,wherein the first layer has a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm, the secondlayer has a Permeability of at least 250 Darcy, and a Porosity of 0.85to 0.95.
 3. An absorbent core structure according to claim 2, whereinthe second layer has a Permeability of at least 300 Darcy.
 4. Anabsorbent core structure according to claim 2, wherein the second layerhas a Porosity of 0.87 to 0.90.
 5. An absorbent core structure accordingto claim 1, having an overall thickness from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm
 6. Anabsorbent core structure according to claim 1, having an overallthickness from 1 mm to 2 mm
 7. An absorbent core structure according toclaim 1, wherein the layer of absorbent polymer material has a basisweight of less than 250 g/m².
 8. An absorbent core structure accordingto claim 1, wherein the layer of absorbent polymer material has a basisweight of less than 200 g/m².
 9. An absorbent core structure accordingto claim 1, wherein the layer of absorbent polymer material has a basisweight from 60 g/m² to 180 g/m².
 10. An absorbent core structureaccording to claim 1, wherein the layer of absorbent polymer materialhas a basis weight from 70 g/m² to 150 g/m².
 11. An absorbent corestructure according to claim 1, wherein the first layer has a basisweight of 10 g/m² to 120 g/m².
 12. An absorbent core structure accordingto claim 1, wherein the first layer has a basis weight from 20 g/m² to100 g/m².
 13. An absorbent core structure according to claim 1, whereinthe first layer has a basis weight from 30 g/m² to about 70 g/m².
 14. Anabsorbent core structure according to claim 1, wherein the second layerhas a basis weight of 10 g/m² to 80 g/m².
 15. An absorbent corestructure according to claim 1, wherein the second layer has a basisweight from 10 g/m² to 60 g/m².
 16. An absorbent core structureaccording to claim 1, wherein the second layer has a basis weight from20 g/m² to 40 g/m².
 17. An absorbent core structure according to claim1, wherein the adhesive is a hot melt adhesive.
 18. An absorbent corestructure according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is fiberized,comprising fibres having an average thickness from 1 μm to 100 μm and anaverage length from 5 mm to 50 cm.
 19. An absorbent core structureaccording to claim 18, wherein the fibres have an average thickness from25 μm to 75 μm.
 20. An absorbent core structure according to claim 1,wherein the adhesive is provided in a basis weight of from 11 g/m² to 3g/m².
 21. An absorbent core structure according to claim 1, wherein theadhesive is provided in a basis weight from 9 g/m² to 5 g/m².
 22. Anabsorbent core structure according to claim 1, wherein the layer ofabsorbent polymer material second surface is in contact with the firstlayer first surface; the layer of absorbent polymer material firstsurface is in contact with the layer of adhesive second surface; thesecond layer second surface is in contact with the layer of adhesivefirst surface.
 23. An absorbent feminine hygiene product comprising theabsorbent core structure according to claim
 1. 24. The absorbentfeminine hygiene product according to claim 23, wherein the absorbentfeminine hygiene product is a sanitary napkin.